Groups petition EFCC to probe Lagos Speaker over N17bn gate scandal

Two advocacy groups, United Actions for Democracy and Society Against Illegal Demolition & Forced Eviction, have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, over allegations of spending N17 billion on constructing a gate for the Assembly complex.

During a joint press conference held in Lagos, the groups called for a comprehensive probe into past allegations of financial misconduct leveled against the Speaker. They demanded that the findings of these investigations be made public.

This petition follows accusations by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, which recently alleged that the Assembly spent the staggering sum on the gate construction. While the Speaker has dismissed the claims as “spurious and funny,” the groups insist on an independent inquiry.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Opeyemi Ogunlami, Secretary of Society Against Illegal Demolition & Forced Eviction, described the alleged spending as “irritating impunity” and expressed dismay at the state of governance in Lagos.

“They [the leaders] are not only rulers but ruiners whose only interest is to grab power and primitive wealth while the people perish in serious pains, hardships, and poverty,” Ogunlami stated.

He alleged that the gate project, valued at N15 billion, is a gross overstatement of its actual worth, which he claimed is not more than N15 million.

The groups also highlighted persistent allegations of financial misconduct against the Speaker, including the mismanagement of Constituency Intervention and Project Funds.

They alleged that Speaker Obasa, in collaboration with Agege Local Council Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi, had facilitated the transfer of valuable council properties to the Speaker as a “gift.”

“What a house of impunity led by office abuses, heavy misappropriations, and the undermining of growth for Lagos – a globally renowned city,” Ogunlami said.

The groups demanded that the Speaker step aside to allow for an impartial investigation, urging the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to ensure transparency and accountability.

The advocacy groups also called on governors and state officials across Nigeria to respect the autonomy of local councils, emphasizing that grassroots development is key to national progress.

“Governance must be brought closer to the people, and shielding public officials from scrutiny undermines democracy,” they added.

The allegations against Speaker Obasa continue to spark public outrage, with many citizens demanding clarity on the handling of public funds in Lagos State.